Crafters knit their support for the Boston Marathon

7th April 2014

Knitting enthusiasts from Boston have pledged their support for those who will be taking part in the city's annual marathon.

It will be the 21st time that the high-profile race has taken place and participants have been sent a host of woollen scarves, accompanied by greetings cards containing good wishes and written support, reports local paper the Waterloo Cedar Falls Courier.

The Marathon Scarf Project was first set up by Reverend Nancy Taylor of the Old South Church, who intended as a way of bringing people from every corner of the community together to promote a message of peace and social tolerance.

It comes after last year's event made news headlines all over the world after a tragic bombing that led to the deaths of three people, as well as injuring many more.

In addition to the usual support that will come from well-wishers lining the streets of Boston, they will be given another boost by the blue and yellow woven scarves that have been described as a symbolic gesture by the knitters from Franklin County.

Around 20 garments have been made at Cornerstone Cottage in Hampton, where a large collection of colourful yarn was sent in order for knitters to pledge their support in the best way they know.

Dyanne Pralle is one of the knitters involved and she attempted to offer a greater insight into the symbolism that is behind the scarves.

She explained: "It's something you can do for them just so they know they're in our thoughts. Everyone has strong emotions, we can't all be there in person."

United Methodist Church in Hampton has been one of the biggest donors to the project, which has now attracted interest from across the US.

Judy Wrolson, who is the owner of Cornerstone Cottage, attempted described how knitters and business owners from Boston and beyond have "stepped up" in the hope of giving the project the biggest impact.

It is estimated that by the time the race takes place on April 21st, runners could have been sent up to 35,000 scarves from all over the world.